4 weeks post-op of left hip and scheduled for right hip in two weeks, yikes!!!

[kheiden]

Hi all, here is my story. I am a 48 year old female. I had my left hip replaced 2/15/2008 due to severe osteoarthritis (doc says I had the hips of an 85 to 90 year old). They used the summit by DuPey(johnson & johnson) metal-on-metal cementless hip. Lots of pain after surgery, but all went well with the hip except, the anethesiologist was there when I woke up to tell me that while taking out the breathing tube my bottom front tooth broke off in half (another whole issue). I went in for my two week exam and doc says I am doing great and told me to switch from the walker to the can. I am now doing well on the cane. I can even walk without it for an hour or so (with a very large limp). My new hip side is about 1/4 to 1/2 inch longer now but he intends to correct that with my next surgery. I am scheduled to have my right hip replaced on April 1, 2008. I do have a little swelling at the incision site still.

As of right now the problems that I am dealing with are not being able to sleep due to uncomfortableness in my hip. I am having a lot of pain in my left buttock area right below the incision when both sitting or laying. What is that from? Has anyone out there had a bilateral hip replacement six weeks apart? I have been reassured by the doc, nurses, hospital and others that all will be fine, but I just can not imagine having it so soon. I do know that alot can change in a week so I am still optimistic.

Any advice, input or help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kathie

 

[Josephine]

Hello, Kathie, and welcome to BoneSmart.

Well, I am going to say exactly what the others said - it's going to be fine so far as the op is concerned. Routine stuff, so nowt to worry about, I promise.

However, of more concern for you is if your are still sore in your first hip then sleeping and getting comfy are going to be a problem. But not one that will last forever so don't worry.

As for the incisional pain, is your scar similar to this one marked Traditional?



If so, the pain could well be arising from the use of the retractors during the op which keep the incision open for the surgeon whilst he is operating. It will settle and fade eventually, have no fear.

Hope this helps...

 

[kheiden]

yes, it is exactly as the traditional one. He needed to go that route as there was so much damage to scrape out (I believe is what he said). Needed more room to work???!!! But anyhow, thankyou so much for the info. At least I know what it is probably from now, and I can rest easy!! This is a great forum, the best a far more informative that I have found so far. Have a good day and thanks again.

 

[Josephine]

You would be surprised - when you get into a hip it's like working down a deep dark funnel! it might be big at the top but down were it counts there is little room. That's why they charge you so much - it takes a deal of skill to do what needs doing in such a restricted space.

 

[2hips]

Hi Kathie

I had my 2nd hip fixed 5 weeks after the 1st one.
I was home alone with a doggie to take care of.
All went well for me and I am sure all will go well for you also.

yes I also had the buttock pain and sitting on a toilet sit was very uncomfortable. That did resolve and saw improvements on a regular basis.
I also got used to sleeping on my back, but I did have a hospital bed and being able to adjust the bed made sleeping much easier for me.

The right was done 1st and was no problems and I also had the tradational surgery. Os. glued me back together instead of using staples. Was off walker and on cane back driving in 3.5 weeks from 1st surgery.

Left was a little more involved as Dr. had to correct an inch of shortness on left hip.

I think had I not waited so long over 10 yrs. all would have went easier but all in all I can't complain. I had tried to get a cortizone shot prior to surgery to put surgery off a little longer but bone on bone to the point wasn't even enough space to get a needle in there.

I am sure you will be just fine.
I know easy for me to say but I do believe it.

Deborah











Deborah

 

[kheiden]

Thankyou so much for your input. I really do appreciate it. For some reason it is so much easier going through all of this with my mind at ease, and just hearing other people talk about their experiences helps put my mind at ease. Thanks a bunch. My right leg is now 1/2 inch shorter than the right, so the Dr. is going to get it to match my left leg also.